How To Take Control Of An Angry-Gorilla Attack

1.  Evaluate the gorilla’s behavior.

A stressed or angry gorilla is likely to vocalize loudly and pound, jump, or slap the ground before attacking. A gorilla that is just tugging at clothes or grabbing at you may simply be curious.

2. Do not react.

Do not scream, hit, or otherwise antagonize the gorilla. Even if the gorilla grabs you, it may be play- ful behavior. Scaring or aggravating the gorilla may provoke an angry response.

3. Be submissive.

Do not look directly at the gorilla. Remain quiet. Do not shout or open arms wide to try to appear larger. The gorilla may interpret these acts as hostile.

4. Watch for a bluff charge.

A gorilla may make a “bluff charge” before an attack to scare potential threats. It may scream or “bark,” stomp its hands on the ground, and tear at vegetation as it advances toward you. A bluff charge is fast and intimidating and resembles an actual attack.

5. Crouch down and make yourself as small a target as possible.

If the gorilla feels threatened during a bluffing dis- play, it may decide to follow through with an attack.

6. Stay quiet and submissive.

An attack may include severe biting and pounding or tearing with the gorilla’s hands. Even if it appears that the gorilla means to harm you, do not actively resist or fight back: It will interpret this behavior as threat- ening and may attack more severely.

7. Groom.

If the gorilla has gotten hold of you, begin to “groom” its arm while loudly smacking your lips. Primates are fastidious groomers, and grooming the gorilla in this fashion may distract the gorilla in a nonthreatening way. As the gorilla’s grip relaxes, slowly move your grooming hand to the gorilla’s hand, showing keen interest in any bits of leaf or dirt on the gorilla.

8. Remain quiet and passive until the gorilla loses interest or until help arrives. 
Be Aware

If the gorilla has you in its grip, do not attempt to pry the gorilla’s fingers apart to remove his hand. A full- grown silverback gorilla is much stronger than any adult human. The gorilla’s grip will be like a vise that is impossible to open.

Credits: theyahyahman

Written By David Davidson

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